Alarming Toxic Chemicals in Sunscreens

June 10, 2009 | By Sandy Halliday In Detox,toxins |

suncreamsm For years we have been told that we should apply plenty of chemical sunscreen before any exposure to sunlight. We are urged to slather our children with it too. Cosmetic manufacturers and doctors have warned us that we could get skin cancer unless we used these sun cream despite any adequate safety testing of the chemicals used in them. So it will probably come as a shock to you to learn that if you use sunscreen you are applying toxic chemicals that are absorbed into your body and could in fact cause cancer.

Some new research from the US shows that 97% of all Americans are contaminated with benzophenone-3 (BP-3), a toxic chemical that is used in sunscreens.The toxic ingredient that absorbs UV radiation is widely used in sunscreen products worldwide so people in the UK and other countries are very likely to have the same problem.

You may have assumed that you do not absorb significant amounts of chemicals from applying products to your skin but studies have shown that BP-3 goes on being excreted long after the last use of the sunscreen indicating that it accumulates in the body.

Estrogen mimic

The chemical and a derivative called oxybenzone are linked to a number of adverse effects. Studies show it is an estrogen mimic and can disrupt several hormone systems, damage cells as well cause allergic reactions to sunlight. It can also increase absorption of other chemicals.

The estrogenic effects has been found to change testosterone levels in both healthy men and women. It can also effect adrenal hormones. The estrogenic effects are worrying as it could make certain cancer cell multiply faster. In fact other chemicals widely used in sunscreens also had this effect.

It may even affect the development of unborn babies if the mother uses sunscreen containing it during pregnancy. It’s worrying that BP-3 is also used in lipsticks, lip balms and facial moisturizers.

It causes free radicals to form when it reacts with UV light. Free radicals damage cells and have been linked with causing cancer. So while you apply sunscreen to prevent skin cancer you may ironically be promoting it as well as causing premature aging of the skin.

In fact, sunscreen products actually promote cancer by blocking your body’s absorption of ultraviolet radiation, and therefore blocking the production of vitamin D in your skin which is thought to protect against some cancers.

Nanoparticles

In an effort to avoid toxic materials in sunscreens and to please consumers manufacturers have been adding nanoparticles. Too tiny to imagine they are apparently 100 times smaller than a virus and may be dangerous to your health.

Although cosmetic companies claim that nanoparticles only penetrate as far as the epidermis, the top layer of the skin there is concern that the particles can reach all parts of our bodies. They may accumulate and affect our complex biochemistry and body controls with who knows what effect to our health.

Studies have already shown that nanoparticles of the size now being used in sunscreen have gone through the skin and ended up in the lymphatic system where they can cause inflammation. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent.

When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You’ll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.

Natural Sun Protection

Use natural sunscreens that are free of toxic chemicals. Find out which sunscreens are harmful on the EWG website.

Avoid prolonged exposure especially between 11 am & 3 pm

Berries and microalgae such as spirulina, astaxanthin, and blue-green algae can make the body naturally resistant to sunburn. Astaxanthin has extraordinary antioxidant powers to protect your skin against sunburn.